The identification of the two Ca(2+) permeant channels TRPC5 and TRPC6 as mediators of this pathway not only bolstered the importance of podocyte cytoskeleton dynamics but also revealed promising drug targets for treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Using whole-cell recording and selective pharmacological tools, we have found that, similar to leptin, purified insulin depolarized POMC and adjacent kisspeptin neurons via activation of TRPC5 channels, which are highly expressed in these neurons.